Family Encyclopedia >> Travel

Top Weekend Events in the Netherlands: Festivals, Outings & Family Activities (15-17 September 2017)

Plan an unforgettable weekend with our expert-curated guide to the best events, outings, and festivals across the Netherlands from Friday, 15 September to Sunday, 17 September 2017. We've handpicked options for all ages, including plenty of free family-friendly activities—something for everyone.

National Apple Picking Day

On Saturday, 16 September 2017, celebrate National Apple Picking Day as orchards open to the public. Pick fresh apples and pears straight from the trees—nothing fresher! Family-friendly with additional activities for kids.

When: Saturday, 16 September 2017

Where: 35 locations across the Netherlands (check website)

Time: All day (see website)

Admission: Free (pay for picked fruit)

Haagsche Kermis Funfair at Malieveld, The Hague

Enjoy the Haagsche Kermis from 9-20 September 2017, featuring bumper cars, mazes, ball-throwing games, and more. Perfect for young and old, with afternoon openings ideal for little ones.

When: Saturday, 9 September to Wednesday, 20 September 2017

Where: Malieveld, The Hague

Time: Mon/Tue/Thu 14:00–23:00; Fri 14:00–24:00; Wed/Sun 13:00–23:00; Sat 13:00–24:00

Admission: Free (attractions priced separately)

Rotterdam Philharmonic Gergiev Festival

From 14-17 September 2017, immerse in Russian avant-garde art from 1917 with 4 symphonic concerts, chamber music, and a family sand art show at De Doelen.

When: Thursday, 14 September to Sunday, 17 September 2017

Where: De Doelen, Schouwburgplein 50, Rotterdam

Time/Admission: See website

Neu Now Art Festival

Discover Europe's emerging artists at this Amsterdam festival, 14-17 September 2017, showcasing innovative ideas.

When: Thursday, 14 September to Sunday, 17 September 2017

Where: Westergasfabriek, Pazzanistraat 15, Amsterdam

Time/Admission: See website; free entry

Bussum Cultureel

Varied program 15-17 September 2017: open-air cinema, theater, music, cultural market, and communal dining.

When: Friday, 15 to Sunday, 17 September 2017

Where: Various downtown Bussum locations

Time: Fri 19:00–24:00; Sat 11:00–24:00; Sun 11:00–22:00

Admission: Free

Grazende Zwaan Festival

New family festival 15-17 September 2017 with theater, concerts, chip-baking, and interactive activities.

When: Friday, 15 to Sunday, 17 September 2017

Where: Kleine Vennep Farm, Hoofdweg 1041, Nieuw-Vennep

Time: Fri 17:00–21:00; Sat 14:00–22:00; Sun 11:00–18:00

Admission: Kids free; adults pay small fee for select activities

Floralia Dahlia Festival

Admire stunning dahlia displays, mosaics, music, and street theater on 16-17 September 2017.

When: Saturday, 16 & Sunday, 17 September 2017

Where: Dorpsstraat, Nieuwe-Niedorp

Time: Sat 15:00–22:30; Sun 10:00–22:30

Admission: €5 (free for kids under 12)

Boekenfestijn Utrecht Book Festival

Books, crafts, puzzles, and games for all ages, 14-17 September 2017.

When: Thursday, 14 to Sunday, 17 September 2017

Where: Jaarbeurs, Jaarbeursplein 6, Utrecht

Time: Thu-Sat 10:00–21:00; Sun 10:00–18:00

Admission: Free

Shop in the Park Houten

Live pop-up shops for handmade goods, food, fashion, plus workshops and kids' activities on 17 September 2017.

When: Sunday, 17 September 2017

Where: Park Schoneveld, Dampolder, Houten

Time: 12:00–17:00

Admission: Free

Blauwe As Festival

Water and music-themed festival 15-16 September 2017 celebrating the new sailing route.

When: Friday, 15 to Saturday, 16 September 2017

Where: Havenkade Assen

Time: Fri 14:00–23:30; Sat 11:00–01:00

Admission: Free

Pieperfestival

Potato-themed fun 12-17 September 2017 with kids' activities, braderie, culture, and more.

When: Tuesday, 12 to Sunday, 17 September 2017

Where/Time/Admission: See website

Circus Saranti: Circus Got Talent

Young talents shine on 16 September 2017 with guest acts and jury judging.

When: Saturday, 16 September 2017

Where: Stadsschouwburg de Harmonie, Ruiterskwartier 4, Leeuwarden

Time: 13:00–16:00

Admission: €12.50

Oldtimerdag & Truckshow Appelscha

Vintage vehicles and trucks 15-16 September 2017, plus market.

When: Friday, 15 & Saturday, 16 September 2017

Where: De Hildenberg estate, De Gruun 5, Appelscha

Time: 08:00–19:00/24:00

Admission: Free

Renkum Airborne Commemoration

Parachute drops, fashion show, air display, and military market 15-16 September 2017.

When: Friday, 15 & Saturday, 16 September 2017

Where: Renkumse Hei, Bennekomseweg 120, Renkum

Admission: Free

Airborne Commemoration Ede

Market Garden tribute with paratrooper drops on 16 September 2017.

When: Saturday, 16 September 2017

Where: Ginkelse Heide, Kooiweg, Ede

Time: 09:30–16:30

Admission: Free

Hobby & Crea Market Apeldoorn

Crafts, knitting, jewelry on 16-17 September 2017.

When: Saturday, 16 & Sunday, 17 September 2017

Where: Matenpark Sporthal, Heemradenlaan 130, Apeldoorn

Time: 10:00–16:30

Admission: €4.50 (free for kids under 12)

Experience Week South Limburg

Walks, bike tours, caves, markets 16-24 September 2017.

When: Saturday, 16 to Sunday, 24 September 2017

Where: Various South Limburg locations (see website)

Time/Admission: Varies; see website

Veerse Dag

Music, fair, theater, kids' attractions 15-16 September 2017.

When: Friday, 15 & Saturday, 16 September 2017

Where: City center Heereplein, Raamsdonkveer

Time: Fri 19:00–24:00; Sat 10:00–19:00

Admission: Free

Cultural Street Festival Delden

Book/art market, kids' area, choir performances on 17 September 2017.

When: Sunday, 17 September 2017

Where: Delden city center

Time: 12:00–18:00

Admission: Free

Kermis Terneuzen Funfair

Attractions and special shows 15-24 September 2017.

When: Friday, 15 to Sunday, 24 September 2017

Where: Markt/Stadhuisplein, Terneuzen

Time: See Terneuzen municipality website

Admission: Free (pay for attractions)

Got more tips for 15-17 September 2017? Share in the comments below.

*No event photos due to copyright.